How To Help Tornado Victims

Imagine your home and all of your earthly possessions disappear in the blink of an eye. That's the case in the southern U.S. as they have been pounded this week with severe weather and tornadoes. As I watch the news coverage with mouth agape stunned at the devastation, I wondered what I could do to help. Here's what I found.

First and foremost, there are two agencies that help, always, any time, anywhere disaster strikes.

The Salvation Army helped me out of a jam more than once, and I swore that once I got into a position to help, I would. Right now, you can go to this website to donate online to the Salvation Army. You can also donate $10 right now from your mobile phone by texting the word STORM to 80888. If you're more apt to write a check, make sure to ear mark it for tornado relief and can send it to:

The Salvation Army Disaster Relief
P.O. Box 1959
Atlanta, GA 30301

The Red Cross recently supplied hospitals across the deep south with an emergency blood supply, and officials say they're in good shape right now, but they may need more blood sooner rather than later, so if you're so inclined, please call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE to set up an appointment to donate blood.

If you can donate money, you can do that in a variety of ways. Just like the Salvation Army, the Red Cross has a secure online donation site, or you can text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a one time $10 donation. You can also fill out a donation form and send a check earmarked for tornado disaster relief to:

American Red Cross
PO Box 4002018
Des Moines, IA 50340-2018

AmeriCares is a non-profit organization that assists with emergency response to disasters across the globe by providing humanitarian aid where ever it is needed. Matthew 25 Ministries works to fulfill the verse Matthew 25:40 "As you did it to the least of these my brothers and sisters, you did it to me" They provide humanitarian aid in the way of food, clothing and shelter to those affected by disaster. For every $1 they receive, they can provide $38 in aid. You can donate here.The United Wayis also accepting donations. World Vision is also sending teams and supplies for those affected. Learn how you can help here.

This could easily happen here. Please keep the people of the southern U.S. in your thoughts and prayers.